MD 2060 CONCERNING BLIZZARD FOR EASTERN MONTANA…SOUTHWEST NORTH DAKOTA INTO CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA
Mesoscale Discussion 2060
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0923 AM CST Thu Dec 22 2022
Areas affected...Eastern Montana...southwest North Dakota into
central South Dakota
Concerning...Blizzard
Valid 221523Z - 221930Z
SUMMARY...Ground blizzard conditions will persist well into the
afternoon hours - especially across open country - from far eastern
Montana into southwest North Dakota and central South Dakota.
DISCUSSION...Latest observations from eastern MT, southwest ND, and
into central SD show sustained wind speeds between 25-30 knots.
These winds are near the top of the wind speed distribution from
latest hi-res ensemble guidance and are forecast to gradually
increase through the afternoon. Although snowfall amounts over the
past 24-48 hours have been minimal (generally in the 1-2 inch
range), significant visibility reductions are noted in surface
observations and regional web cams, suggesting that at least a
portion of the pre-existing snow pack is blowable. Using the current
and forecast temperature/wind speeds, blowing snow model
probabilities suggest that persistent blizzard conditions will
continue well into the afternoon - especially in open country.
Blizzard conditions will likely be more widespread/persistent across
portions of west/northwest SD where frequent wind gusts between
35-45 knots are expected through early afternoon.
..Moore.. 12/22/2022
...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...
ATTN...WFO...FSD...ABR...BIS...UNR...BYZ...GGW...
LAT...LON 44130237 44900356 46120502 46780523 47250482 47240380
45209811 44809773 44039777 43359802 43119881 43280023
43610112 44130237
